| | To submit an article for Tidings, email Anne here by Mondays at 12:00 noon. | | | |
From Lost to “Rejoice With Me”
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. "Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. – Luke 15:1-10
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We talked on Sunday about ways we lose things or get lost ourselves or sometimes want other people whom we do not like to “get lost!” We were reminded by Jesus how God sees us as precious, worthy of knowing ourselves as “found.” We do not have to earn this or deserve this.
Last Sunday’s parable reminded me of an experience I had in another church community. As we arrived for a mid-week spiritual life group, participants entered the room to find a delicious-looking cake, cut and ready to be served. Not surprisingly the first question was, “What is the occasion?” Most of us imagined it was someone’s birthday (the usual cause for cake in these settings). The one cutting the cake told us that she had found a job and wanted to celebrate with us. What a great idea and gift! This is what grace does in people.
When we think we are in charge or entitled, then we can get stuck in bitterness when we experience loss (whether the keys or our sense of control over things, etc.). And if we then find what was lost or in some other way experience success, we are often proud of ourselves, perhaps full of ourselves, sometimes arrogant or conceited. In “our” new-found success, we are then more likely to condemn and judge others who lose something, who fail, or who are lost.
But as we live daily opening to the gracious love and Spirit of God, the whole dynamic shifts. Loss is not something we suffer alone. We have companions in the loss. We can grieve, we can let go, and we can heal. And when we find what was lost -- hope, love, a job, a partner, etc. – then we do not feel superior. We are thankful. We see God’s love and mercy at work. We want others to celebrate with us, to rejoice with us, like the shepherd and the woman in the story above. And instead of seeing other people as failures, or lazy, or objects of condemnation, we see other people as those who can also be recipients of God’s grace. We invite them to rejoice with us so that they, too, can be part of what God is doing in the world.
I look forward to grace-filled celebrations with you.
Love,
Pastor Michael Bush
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Watch other messages online: click here.
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Tides of Humanity, Learning@11 Follow-up
Our visiting friends from the University of Arizona and Casa Alitas invited those with follow-up questions to be in touch with them. If you would like email addresses, please reach out to Pastor Michael, click for his email.
And several people asked for a list of the Biblical passages shared during Sunday’s Learning@11. Click this link to see the Biblical References to Caring for the “Stranger/Alien” Among You that was shared last Sunday.
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We will be serving Mexican food, will be playing music, have decorations and some folks will be speaking (including the results from all the postcard responses...
see the article below).
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Postcard Thanks
Thank you for EVERYTHING you have done to make this possible!!!
Thank you for your more than 300 sabbatical postcard responses!
Each postcard has been carefully read and logged into our spreadsheet/summary to be presented Sunday, September 21st during the Welcome Back Party.
Collectively, your honest reflections help our already vibrant community in building renewal paths.
Marilyn and Steve
| | Keeling Elementary School Service Opportunity | | |
If you are looking for a new volunteer opportunity, we are in need of additional volunteers for our Thursday, September 18th, free food pantry. Join us to share our blessings with up to 85 families, from the Keeling Elementary School. Set up time is from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Then we will be welcoming our participants at 2:00 pm. Available and interested, contact Dennis Thomas @ 520-604-5861. Thanks!
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Rillito River Trail Bike Ride
Saturday, September 20, 2025
The ride for this month will be a 12.0 mile (round trip) out and back along the flat, asphalt Rillito River trail. We will meet at the west end of the Rillito Race Track parking lot, 4502 N. 1st. Ave., (NOTE: Not at the Rillito Park along 1st. Ave.) at 7:00 am, ride to Craycroft Rd. and return. Please wear a helmet and bring a water bottle.
Toward the end of the ride there is a café nearby for those who would like to satisfy their appetite.
For additional information, contact Charlie or Marj Wippermann at 520-373-4248.
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Learning@Eleven Upcoming Sunday Series
Sept. 28th through October 12th: Transformation at the Borders: Awe and Engagement
Join Pastor Michael and fellow CAUCC friends as we spend three weeks looking at what happens at the various “borders” of our lives, what we can do to open ourselves to awe (per Sabbatical theme and Dacher Keltner book of the same title), and how awe invites us into engagement practices that transform ways we see and interact in the world. Whether you join us in person or online via Zoom, please register so we can send you some materials to prepare ahead of time. Each Sunday we will also engage something of “awe” to give us ideas of what we might do in the week ahead.
Let us know you will be there, sign up, our website, Unite page: Click here.
Note: By signing up, we then have a good idea for how many people we will be accommodating...this helps us plan the room set-up, the audio, the number of copies we need and other aspects for our classes.
| | Primavera Men’s Shelter Meal | | |
Centering Prayer
Tuesdays, 12:00 noon, Room 1
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Pondering Class
Wednesdays at 10:00 am on Zoom
Sep. 17th, Ponderings tomorrow:
How Do We Live In a Time When Seeds of Hate and Divison are Deliberately Sown?
Come to a scriptural and faith-based discussion about current events and implications around the Charlie Kirk murder.
Next week, Mexican Independence. How the Mexican War of Independence affected the Presidio of Tucson and the future of our desert home.
Centering Prayer
Wednesdays, 12:00 noon, on Zoom
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September Is A Good Time To Join A Spiritual Formation Group
(or simply check one out)!
Beginning the last week in September, Pastor Michael facilitates two weekly Spiritual Formation groups. Some call these “Bible studies,” and while we certainly do engage the biblical text each week with critical questions and scholarly resources, these sessions are intended to be more than a study of Bible verses. The groups are committed to one another for the purpose of deepening in experience of the Spirit and growing in trust and love with each other in ways we hope will empower and equip us to be Christ in the world. We do this by considering where we might “fit” within the stories, share life experiences, our own stories, laughter and tears, and pray for and with one another.
The Tuesday group meets in Rooms 3/4 and on Zoom 11:00 am to 12:00 noon beginning Sept. 30th and are moving through the stories of how the first followers of Jesus carried on the work, ministry, and mission Jesus began.
The Thursday group meets via Zoom (except the second Thursday of the month when we have Taizé worship) 6:30 to 7:30 pm beginning Sept. 25th. This group is in the early chapters of the Gospel of Mark, often called the “action Gospel,” focusing more on the plot and movement of Jesus and considering what it looks like for our plot and movement here and now as we follow.
If you have questions about either group, please talk with Pastor Michael.
If you would like the Zoom link to either group, please request that from the church office here.
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Dear Family at Casas Adobes, (dated Sept. 8, 2025)
I miss you so much! My summer was not what I expected it to be, but I am so grateful for family and friends who have been there for me. I will have major surgery on my back tomorrow as I have had major pain and nothing else has helped.
The summer leadership in the church has been so strong and helpful... what a blessing. It is also great to have Michael return and share his happiness about his upcoming wedding.
Please keep me in your prayers. I am weary of hospitals and the need for yet more "torture!!!" to my body! What a baby I have become. Pray for patience and strength. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without the prayers and the loving help of my daughter and son-in-law.
Hugs and love, Ruth (Elliott)
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We need five people to sign up in order to have the class!
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2025 Marks Opportunities from the Legacy Fund
The Legacy Fund Team is now ready to receive requests for proposals to start new projects for the church and the Tucson community. All such projects must be based on a strategic initiative, a capital campaign, or a creative idea that supports our Congregational Conversation vision of CAUCC. Proposals may be submitted from any member or friends at CAUCC and must be submitted with the endorsement of a sponsoring Council Ministry. Approval of projects is for one fiscal year only, and funding for future years must be resubmitted annually. The Legacy Team requires a short final report from the Ministry, summarizing the project including accomplishments, lessons learned, and possible next steps and will be part of the annual report to the congregation. Potential applicants should get details from their sponsoring Ministry.
Ministries and Chairs
Ministry of Community Care – (MCC) – Laura and Hank Dimlich
Ministry of Christian Development – (MCD) - Bob Sutherland
Ministry of Justice, Advocacy and Mission – (MJAM) – Jane Spande
Ministry of Physical Resources – (MPR) – Wes Ward
Ministry of Stewardship – (MOS) – Mike Wilson
Ministry of Worship (MOW) – Linda Crisman and Amy Lincoln
Moderator – Owen Clymer
Vice Moderator – Dave Brown
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Upcoming Learning@Eleven
Sundays this Season
October 26 through November 16: You Are Changing the World
This three week series (10/26-11/9) will engage the book of the same title by David LaMotte. David will then be here in person for the final session (November 16) to share his work and thoughts with us (he will also be performing in a concert on Saturday November 15). More information on all of this to come, but in the meantime his book is in our church library or you are welcome to order your own copy online.
November 23: Tucson Pride weekend
We are hoping to offer something connected with living into our Open and Affirming Covenant more fully in the Tucson community and our daily lives.
November 30 through December 21: Advent Series
Watch for information about a creative way to lean into this season of reflection and birthing new life.
In 2026 we will be looking at some opportunities for additional Java and Justice Sessions, a series on “DEI: the connection between ‘Imago Dei’ (image of God) and Social Justice,” a Lenten series focusing on the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), and a series after Easter attending to how we “Live Resurrection” (beyond celebrating a story, what does resurrection look like here and now?).
Click here to sign up for classes.
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Casas Adobes Lay Ministry (C.A.L.M.)
This Ministry is all about making contact with people to let them know they are being thought of, cared about.
It is a volunteer group of fellow congregants who offer to fulfill contact services when requested by you.
- We send birthday cards if you have given your birth date to the office, and greeting cards on major Christian holidays, Easter and Christmas to all members and friends of CAUCC.
- By your request, we will call you, make home visits and send email greetings and cards.
- CAUCC pastors Michael Bush and John Angiulo, Rev. John Cheek, and our Parish Nurse, Ida Heath are available for visits and communion.
If you would like any of these services, reach out to a C.A.L.M. volunteer to contact you by clicking these links: Spencer Elliott or Rosalie Shelton.
We also welcome you to join us, especially if you:
- like to meet folks and make new friends
- enjoy helping
- love others as Christ loves us.
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A TIHAN (Tucson Interfaith HIV and Aids Network) Community Dance
Join Us for Some Fun!
Dust off your dancing shoes and join us for a fun and festive evening of music, movement, and community! We’re hosting a social and dance for volunteers, donors, CarePartners, and friends on Monday, September 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1200 North Campbell Avenue, in the Activity Building.
DJ Michael Lopez will keep the energy high, and you’re welcome to bring a guest (age 18+). RSVP now to OperationsManager@tihan.org, and mark your calendar and get ready to step onto the dance floor!
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Trip to Tohono O’odham Cultural Center
and Museum
Plans are underway for a visit to the Tohono O’odham Cultural Center and Museum together with Rincon UCC! Here are some details (still in process):
- Date: Saturday, October 11th
- Time: leave Casas Adobes at 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. for a day-long trip
- Place: The Cultural Center and Museum is located in Topawa, AZ (near Sells)
To sign up for the trip, contact Pastor John, john@caucc.org or catch me after Sunday church services. I encourage you to let me know if you can go by Friday, October 3th. If you’re able to provide transportation, let me know that, too.
We will bring our own lunches, and we’ll break bread and debrief together at the Cultural Center. I can also arrange for a shared lunch that we bring together.
The facility is accessible to those who use wheelchairs or walkers.
We can listen to the Indigenous people and understand this place . You are invited to come along for this journey!
Peace,
Pastor John
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Save the Date!
David LaMotte
November 14th through 16th
As part of our Sabbatical year, we have invited David LaMotte to spend a weekend with us, Friday through Sunday, November 14th, 15th and 16th. David is an author, speaker, and musician from Black Mountain, NC. He has offered thousands of concerts and talks on five continents and has released thirteen albums, and authored two books, as well as two children's books. He is a Rotary Peace Fellow, a former member of the AFSC Nobel Peace Prize Nominating Committee, and a co-founder of Senderos, a non-profit supporting arts, education, and mentoring for children in Guatemala. To learn more about David and his work, please visit davidlamotte.com.
More information regarding the plans for November will be coming out soon. Please watch for more details.
Don’t forget to read one of his books (four copies available in our Library): You are Changing the World, Whether You Like it or Not. This book describes ways that small, organized efforts can make a difference in our troubled world and discusses how we are all planting seeds of change whether we know it or not.
Questions? Please contact one of the members of the Sabbatical Team: Owen Clymer, Pastor John Angiulo, Anne Bailey, Jack Dean, and Jean-Marie Huisjen.
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Wednesday, September 17
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10:00 am Spiritual Life Group, Ponderings with Pastor John, Zoom Ponderings Link or Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Zoom Click on Centering Link or use Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 and Passcode: 769422
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3:00 pm Worship Arts Team Meeting Zoom
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6:00 pm Bell Choir Practice Bell Room
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7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary
Thursday, September 18
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8:30 am Men's Breakfast Beyond Bread on Ina
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9:00 am Stitch Witches Rooms 5/6
Friday, September 19
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10:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
Saturday, September 20
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9:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
Sunday, September 21 Welcome Back Party for Pastor Michael
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9:30 am Worship Sanctuary Online Worship; click on the Livestream and Recorded Services box on that page. (click on the box after 9:25 am)
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9:30 am Turbo Time Rooms 5/6
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10:30 am Welcome Back from Sabbatical Party Entire McNear Hall
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11:00 am Family Funday Zoom: Funday Link or use Meeting ID 781 414 384; Password 883239
Monday, September 22
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1:00 Compassion on the Border Meeting Zoom
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2:30 pm Campus Cleaning Entire Campus
Tuesday, September 23
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Room 1
Wednesday, September 24
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10:00 am Spiritual Life Group, Ponderings with Pastor John, Zoom Ponderings Link or Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Zoom Click on Centering Link or use Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 and Passcode: 769422
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6:00 pm Bell Choir Practice Bell Room
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7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary
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Staff Meetings
are once a month on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1:30 pm and the office is closed during that time.
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Have you seen last year's CAUCC Annual Report?
If not, here it is in color...
Click here
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Council meetings are open to any member of the CAUCC community. Next meeting is Tuesday, September 16th, 4:00 pm on Zoom.
Approved June meeting minutes are available, click here.
Email Anne Bailey for the upcoming meeting Zoom link.
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To support the ministry and mission of CAUCC,
please donate online here:
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